30 CSOs Demand Abrogation of SoO Peace Agreements

IMPHAL — On 7 September 2026, multiple civil society organisations, student bodies, and community representatives issued a Joint Resolution following a Community Discussion held between August 30 and September 5, 2026, demanding the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreements with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF).

The endorsing bodies examined historical and police-verified records detailing systematic atrocities and ground-rule violations committed by armed groups operating under the tripartite SoO framework —first established in 2008 between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, KNO, and UPF.

Key Concerns Highlighted in the Resolution:

• Failure of Disarmament: Rather than facilitating disarmament, demobilisation, and eventual dissolution, the SoO framework has allowed armed groups to strengthen their military, organizational, and financial capacities.

• Escalation of Criminality: The suspension of military operations has fostered an environment enabling arson, attacks on security camps, killing of law enforcement personnel, destruction of public and private property, extortion, torture, and murder.

• Erosion of Public Faith: Continued operation of the agreement despite documented violations has severely undermined public trust in its legitimacy and effectiveness.

Resolutions Adopted:

1. Immediate Abrogation: A formal call on the central and state governments to scrap the SoO pacts with KNO and UPF.

2. Restoration of Law and Order: Demands to take all necessary measures to re-establish security, justice, and lasting peace across all communities in Manipur.

3. Legal Prosecution: Demands for the swift prosecution and conviction of cadres involved in criminal acts under the laws of the land.

Endorsing Organisations: The resolution has been officially endorsed by 30 civil society and student bodies:

• All India Tanzeem - E Insaaf

• All Manipur Muslim Organizations' Co-Ordinating Committee

• All Manipur Muslim Students' Organisation (Safiullah)

• All Manipur Progressive Students' Association

• All Manipur Students' Union 1

• All Manipur Students' Union 2

• Apunba Awonba Manipur Amagidamak

• Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup

• Arambai Tenggol

• Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur

• Chiru Union

• Committee of Civil Society Kangleipak

• Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur

• Ethno Heritage Council

• Federal Students' Organisation, Kangleipak

• Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee

• Manipur International Youth Centre

• Manipur Naga Youth Organisation

• Meetei/ Meitei Tribe Union

• Meitei Alliance

• Meitei Heritage Society

• Naga Peoples Union, Imphal

• People's Progressive Alliance Manipur

• SOULS, An organization for missing persons families of Manipur

• Students' Union of Kangleipak

• Team Meitei Personalities, Manipur

• United Meitei-Pangal Committee Manipur

• Yelhoumee Phurup

• Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland)

• Zeliangrong Union, Imphal

****